Cucumber Dill Rotisserie Chicken Salad Recipe
Say hello to your new favorite lunch: Cucumber Dill Rotisserie Chicken Salad! This vibrant and utterly refreshing salad brings together juicy rotisserie chicken, cool cucumber, loads of fresh dill, and a crave-worthy tang from Greek yogurt. Every bite offers a crunch of veggies and a bouquet of herby flavor. Whether you scoop it into a wrap, pile it on toast, or simply enjoy it by the spoonful, this chicken salad feels like a sunny picnic no matter the season. Plus, it’s ridiculously quick, making healthy eating effortless and delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Great ingredients really make a difference in Cucumber Dill Rotisserie Chicken Salad, so don’t skimp on freshness! Each one brings unique texture and flavor, turning a humble chicken salad into a dish you’ll want to make on repeat.
- Rotisserie chicken: Shreds of rotisserie chicken are juicy, ready to use, and perfectly seasoned for easy prep.
- Cucumber: Brings a satisfying crunch and coolness that makes every bite extra refreshing.
- Celery: Adds classic crispness and a pop of bright, savory flavor you can’t skip in a chicken salad.
- Green onion: Lends a gentle bite and an aromatic layer without overwhelming the salad.
- Fresh dill: The star herb in this salad; its lively, lemony flavor instantly transports you to summer days.
- Parsley: Offers a burst of color and a mild herbal note that brightens up the mix.
- Plain Greek yogurt: For creaminess, tang, and a light touch—plus a little added protein!
- Dijon mustard: Gives the dressing a little zip and complexity, moving it well beyond basic.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning; taste and adjust so every forkful sings.
How to Make Cucumber Dill Rotisserie Chicken Salad
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Begin by shredding your rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces—this is where the real magic starts. Dice up your cucumber and celery, making sure they’re chopped small enough to mingle evenly in every bite. Slice your green onion finely, and give the dill and parsley a good chop to release their freshness. With a little prep now, you’ll have everything ready to toss together in no time.
Step 2: Mix the Salad Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine all of the prepped ingredients: chicken, cucumber, celery, green onion, dill, and parsley. Stir them gently to distribute everything evenly. This is the heart of your Cucumber Dill Rotisserie Chicken Salad, and getting a little of everything in each bite makes all the difference.
Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Dressing
In a smaller separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt and Dijon mustard until smooth and well blended. This duo creates a lush, tangy dressing that coats the salad without weighing it down—so much lighter and fresher than mayo.
Step 4: Combine and Chill
Pour the yogurt-mustard dressing over your chicken and veggie mixture. Gently stir until every bit of salad is luxuriously coated. Season with salt and cracked black pepper to taste. For ultimate flavor, cover and chill the salad for at least 30 minutes. The herbs will mingle and the flavors deepen beautifully in that short time.
How to Serve Cucumber Dill Rotisserie Chicken Salad
Garnishes
Give your finished Cucumber Dill Rotisserie Chicken Salad a flourish of extra fresh dill or parsley right before serving. Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a twist of black pepper for a restaurant-worthy finish. For a splash of color, scatter a few thinly sliced radishes or extra cucumber rounds on top.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs effortlessly with so many sides! Serve it alongside crisp lettuce leaves, herby pita chips, or buttered sourdough toast. A tangy pickled veggie platter or a simple tomato salad really complements the herby chicken. For a picnic, pack it up with fruit salad and your favorite sparkling lemonade.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn the Cucumber Dill Rotisserie Chicken Salad into crowd-pleasing sandwiches, stuff it inside croissants, or spoon it into hollowed-out tomatoes for a light lunch. Pile it high on crackers as an appetizer, or tuck it into lettuce cups for a gluten-free spin. Honestly, it’s even amazing right out of the bowl with a big spoon!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cucumber Dill Rotisserie Chicken Salad in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator. It keeps beautifully for up to three days, and the flavors only get more delicious as they mingle. Give it a good stir before serving in case the dressing separates a bit.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for this salad. The fresh veggies and herbs lose their delightful crunch, and the creamy yogurt base can become watery after thawing. For best results, enjoy it fresh or within a few days chilled in the fridge.
Reheating
There’s actually no need to reheat this Cucumber Dill Rotisserie Chicken Salad—it’s meant to be served chilled, right from the fridge. If you prefer it at room temperature, simply let it sit out for 10-15 minutes before serving. Otherwise, it’s picnic-perfect as is!
FAQs
Can I use leftover grilled or baked chicken instead of rotisserie?
Absolutely! Any cooked chicken will work in place of rotisserie. Just be sure to shred or chop it and add an extra pinch of salt and pepper since rotisserie chicken is often seasoned.
What other herbs could I use if I don’t have fresh dill?
Fresh tarragon, basil, or chives would all be lovely in Cucumber Dill Rotisserie Chicken Salad. Each brings its own bright, garden-fresh twist to the classic flavor profile.
Is there a dairy-free substitute for Greek yogurt?
Definitely! Try unsweetened coconut yogurt, almond-based yogurt, or even mashed avocado for a creamy, dairy-free swap. Just make sure it’s unflavored to keep the savoriness just right.
How far in advance can I make this salad?
Cucumber Dill Rotisserie Chicken Salad is actually even better when made a few hours ahead. It can be prepped and chilled up to 24 hours in advance—just give it a good stir before serving.
What’s the best way to pack this salad for a picnic or lunchbox?
Use a leakproof container and pack the salad separately from bread or lettuce leaves to keep everything crisp and fresh. A small ice pack will keep it perfectly chilled until you’re ready to dig in.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something satisfying yet light, you have to try this Cucumber Dill Rotisserie Chicken Salad! It’s a breeze to make, full of bright flavor, and endlessly versatile. Go ahead—treat yourself and your loved ones to a lunch that’s as tasty as it is wholesome!
